Key Takeaways
- Eight young New Zealanders will embark on a month-long voyage to Antarctica on the historic tall ship Bark EUROPA
- The journey will take them across the notorious Drake Passage, known for its unpredictable and contrasting conditions
- The group will learn to sail the ship, explore the Antarctic Peninsula, and participate in citizen science projects to gather data on microplastics and wildlife
- The expedition is part of the Antarctic Heritage Trust’s inspiring explorers program, aimed at fostering a spirit of adventure and curiosity in young people
- Record-breaking sailor Lisa Blair will lead the expedition, sharing her expertise and experience with the group
Introduction to the Expedition
Eight young New Zealanders are set to embark on an extraordinary adventure, sailing from Argentina to Antarctica on the historic tall ship Bark EUROPA. The month-long voyage will take them across the notorious Drake Passage, a journey that requires skill, resilience, and a sense of adventure. The group, aged between 18 and 30, will be led by record-breaking sailor Lisa Blair, who has completed numerous impressive feats, including sailing solo, non-stop, and unassisted around Antarctica in 2022. For one of the participants, Meleki Schulster, a 21-year-old Wellington global studies graduate, this will be a completely new experience. He is thrilled to be part of the expedition, describing the ship as "something out of Pirates of the Caribbean" and expressing his excitement to learn and explore.
The Challenges of the Drake Passage
The Drake Passage is infamous for its unpredictable and contrasting conditions, which can range from calm and peaceful to stormy and brutal. The group will have to be prepared for the unexpected, as they navigate through the passage, which can be either the "Drake Lake" or the "Drake Shake." According to Lisa Blair, the Drake Lake is a calm and quiet sea, while the Drake Shake sees storms thousands of nautical miles wide trying to funnel through the narrow passage. This unpredictability will require the group to be flexible, resilient, and able to work together as a team. Blair acknowledges that everyone will likely experience seasickness in the rough conditions, but emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication to overcome the challenges.
The Antarctic Heritage Trust’s Inspiring Explorers Program
The expedition is part of the Antarctic Heritage Trust’s inspiring explorers program, which aims to foster a spirit of adventure and curiosity in young people. The program provides opportunities for young people to follow in the footsteps of explorers who traversed the continent over 100 years ago. By participating in this program, the group will learn to sail the ship, explore the Antarctic Peninsula, and develop essential skills such as teamwork, resilience, and innovation. Blair believes that this experience will be invaluable for the group, as it will allow them to forge a connection with Antarctica and develop a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting this unique and fragile environment.
The Historic Tall Ship Bark EUROPA
The Bark EUROPA is a historic tall ship that was built in 1911 in Germany as a floating lighthouse on the Elbe river. The ship has been converted into a fully operational sailing ship and has a rich history, having been used by Captain Robert Falcon Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton on their journeys to Antarctica. The group will have the opportunity to learn about the ship’s history and significance, as well as participate in its collaboration with the Polar Citizen Science Collective. This collective aims to gather data on microplastics and wildlife, and the group will contribute to this effort by participating in projects such as microplastic sampling and logging bird and whale sightings.
The Importance of Connecting with Antarctica
Lisa Blair emphasizes the importance of connecting with Antarctica, as it is a unique and fragile environment that requires protection. She believes that by providing opportunities for young people to experience and learn about Antarctica, the next generation will be inspired to take action to protect it. The expedition will provide the group with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the beauty and majesty of Antarctica, and to develop a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving this remarkable environment. By participating in the Antarctic Heritage Trust’s inspiring explorers program, the group will become part of a legacy of exploration and discovery, and will be inspired to make a positive impact on the world.